Costa Rica is one of several Central American countries with both a Pacific and an Atlantic (Caribbean) coast. The others are — north to south — Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama; Costa Rica lies between these latter two.

The country scores high on many indices regarding quality of life. It is ranked 69th in the world on the Human Development Index (which refers to life expectancy, education and income), having more advanced human development than other countries with similar income levels, according to the UN, and a better record regarding inequality than other countries in the region.

Costa Rica’s efforts toward preserving the environment are also noteworthy. They have twice been the highest-performing country in the “Happy Planet Index” of environmental sustainability, according to the New Economics Foundation, which also declared them the world’s greenest country in 2009. They are on track to become a carbon-neutral country by 2021; by 2016, they generated 98.1 percent of their electricity from sources such as hydroelectric, solar, geothermal, and biomass.

Costa Rica also has had a relatively stable government in a region prone to political instability. They share a similar history to others in the region: independence from Spain in 1821, various alliances with Mexico and the Federal Republic of Central America, and sovereignty in 1838 (recognized by Spain in 1850). The current constitution dates to 1949 (after a 44-day civil war).

Costa Rica is said to be a paradise by some. Perhaps that’s why some 50,000 North Americans have chosen to live there as expats. (The high quality of their healthcare system — rated higher than the U.S. — may also be a factor.) But Costa Rica is not without its problems.

Highest on the list are economic woes resulting from growing national debt and high unemployment. This has resulted in a liquidity crisis which has left the Treasury struggling to pay the country’s obligations. This is complicated by weak infrastructure and poor efficiency in the public sector.